Markham's Korean food scene has grown dramatically over the last decade, and Korean BBQ is the most visible expression of it. Here are 8 spots that consistently deliver on meat quality, banchan, and the all-important experience of grilling at your table.
1. Magal Korean BBQ — Highway 7
The original Markham Korean BBQ destination, still going strong. Prime cuts, generous banchan, and the wagyu galbi is genuinely worth the upgrade. Reserve for weekends.
2. Sariwon Korean BBQ — Cathedral Town
Famous for marinated galbi and a banchan rotation that includes house-made kimchi varieties you won't find elsewhere. Best for groups of 4+.
3. Manpuku — Multiple Markham Locations
The K-Town import. Premium cuts, modern interior, and tabletop grills that genuinely work. The thick-cut pork belly is the move.
4. Honeypig — Pacific Mall area
Casual, fast-paced, and great value. The signature spicy marinated pork is excellent. Often a wait, but it moves quickly.
5. K-Tea House — Steeles & Kennedy
Underrated mid-tier option. Quality is consistent, prices are gentler, and the lunch deals are a great way to introduce someone new to Korean BBQ.
6. Gen Korean BBQ — Markville Mall area
All-you-can-eat with surprisingly good quality. The marinated galbi and pork belly are the picks; pass on the seafood items.
7. Daldongnae — Highway 7
A Korean street-food-style spot with a focused BBQ menu. The signature spicy cheese ramen with grilled pork belly has a cult following.
8. Galbi 101 — Downtown Markham
Newer entrant, premium-leaning. The wagyu and dry-aged options compete with anything in Toronto. Worth the splurge for a special dinner.
What to know before you go
Reservations are essential for most of these on weekends. Soju and Korean beer pair best with the grilled meats — bring friends and order one of each. Most spots include free refills on banchan (side dishes); don't be shy to ask. Plan for 90 minutes minimum at the table.
For more Korean food in Markham — including soft tofu specialists, fried chicken spots, and Korean dessert cafés — browse our restaurant directory.
About the Author
Food & Dining Editor
Marcus Wong has been writing about food in the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Unionville, he brings a lifelong appreciation for Cantonese and Pan-Asian cuisine to his restaurant reviews, alongside an enthusiasm for the increasingly diverse dining scene across Markham and Richmond Hill. He visits every restaurant he writes about, almost always more than once, and pays for his own meals.
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